The variable Holy Bowl fans will gain some insight into in tonight’s Holy Cross-Central Catholic game is how much difference a year can make.

It’s a given that Central Catholic will be a more competitive team this season than they were in 2012, the Buttons’ first year under Don Byrd. They should be a stronger offensive team, but the measure of their improvement will be based on how prepared a defense that returns just one starter – albeit an outstanding one (Mike Gaston) – is for this first big test at 7 p.m. tonight at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.

The key variable for Holy Cross will be junior quarterback transfer Cisco Flores, who ran for 995 yards as a Southside back last year. Early reports indicate that Flores is fitting in quite well, but this will be his first start as a signal caller.

The Knights lost their leading passer, rusher and receiver to graduation. Replacing all that yardage will be a challenge, although they have the talent in place.

The performance of the running-back-by-committee – Greg Scott, Jacob Rodriguez and Rudy Gonzalez – could be a big key tonight.

“They’re very athletic,” Byrd said. “Their new quarterback, the times I’ve seen him, is playing great and doing a great job of running their offense. Ihe has stepped in like he’s been playing there all along. Their running back is outstanding and their free safety (Greg Kelly) is certainly a Division I prospect.

“They’ll have some very talented athletes on the field. We’ll have to play well.”

Central Catholic returns quarterback Josh Godfrey and running back Joseph Nava to lead the offense. The resulting stability should lead to more production.

“I think they’ll be much-improved,” Holy Cross coach Mike Harrison said. “I watched them against Sam Houston, and I see they’ve gotten more comfortable with the offense and Coach Byrd’s system. They definitely seem to be more aggressive. I expect them to come after us from the get-go.

“We have to match that early intensity. With so many new offensive starters, there’s some (concern) there. We expect a good battle. We expect Central Catholic to be much, much improved.”

One thing’s for certain: Both teams see this game as a gateway to greater success this season. Holy Cross won 37-32 last year in a game marked by a furious comeback by the Buttons in the second half.

This year’s renewal of the longstanding rivalry promises to be just as exciting and intense.